CUP: Mears Out At Hendrick

Sprint Cup

CUP: Mears Out At Hendrick

Hendrick Motorsports and driver Casey Mears will part ways following the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season...

Tom Jensen | Posted June 27, 2008 Loudon, N.H.

Casey Mears will be finishing out the season with Hendrick Motorsports, but will be looking for options for 2009. (Jason Smith/Getty Images Photo)

Hendrick Motorsports and driver Casey Mears will part ways following the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.

'We've put a ton of emphasis on the No. 5 program,' said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. 'It's been a total team effort, and Casey has worked as hard as anyone to help us improve. We've tested more than we ever have, but the results just haven't come.

'None of us, Casey included, have been satisfied with the situation this season. But he's confident there are other options out there for him in 2009, and we feel like Hendrick Motorsports will have some opportunities, too.'

Mears will finish the 2008 Sprint Cup campaign in Hendrick's No. 5 Chevrolets.

'I know the effort has been there, but we haven't had the finishes to show for it,' Mears said. 'I've never tested this much or put more energy into racing. But for whatever reason, we just haven't been able to make it click. It's certainly not for lack of dedication on anyone's part.

'I'll talk to people about opportunities and get my 2009 plans wrapped up soon, but I'm also focused on the next 20 races and finishing 2008 on a positive note. We ran well the second half last year, and I know we can do it again. I want to close this season the right way.'

Hendrick Motorsports will announce its 2009 plans at a later date.

Tom Jensen is the Senior NASCAR Editor for SPEEDtv.com, the former Executive Editor of NASCAR Scene and a contributing Editor for TruckSeries.com. He is the author of “Cheating: The Bad Things Good NASCAR Nextel Cup Racers Do In Pursuit of SPEED,” and has appeared on numerous television and radio shows to discuss NASCAR racing. Jensen is the President of the National Motorsports Press Association. The Answer Man is back at SPEEDtv.com. Tom Jensen answers your questions during every race week and looks forward to hearing from you - please e-mail it to

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Jensen

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR

CUP: Monday NASCAR Notebook
Jimmie Johnson has the most victories of any active driver at Charlotte…
CUP: EXCLUSIVE - No Crew Chief Changes At SHR
Ryan Newman had the best finish of any of the Stewart-Haas drivers…
CUP: More All-Star Frustration For JGR
Matt Kenseth had a disappointing Sprint All-Star Race finish……